IWC Unveils the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL: Toto Wolff x Mercedes-Amg Petronas

IWC has unveiled the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team, a groundbreaking timepiece built to endure the intense forces of Formula One™ racing—whether in the cockpit or the pit lane. Priced at $102,000 and limited to just 100 pieces, this high-performance watch pushes the boundaries of watchmaking with IWC’s patented SPRIN-g PROTECT® system and a bold, futuristic design inspired by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS’ signature black and green color scheme.

A radical departure from the classic aesthetics of the Big Pilot’s Watch, this bold NEW avant-garde piece embodies cutting-edge engineering and modern, technical sophistication, making it look like something straight out of the future!

Revolutionary Shock Absorption Technology

At the heart of this timepiece lies IWC’s SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber system, developed by IWC’s experimental engineering division, XPL. This groundbreaking mechanism protects the movement from extreme g-forces, ensuring unparalleled durability in high-impact conditions.

Tested for Extreme Performance

The cantilever spring inside the case cushions the movement, absorbing the energy from sudden shocks.
In impact tests at Cambridge University’s Cavendish Laboratory, this system allowed the movement to survive forces exceeding 30,000 g.
The spring is crafted from Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), an advanced material with an amorphous microstructure, offering superior elasticity compared to conventional metals.

For this exclusive edition, the BMG spring is coated with PETRONAS-green Super-LumiNova®, giving it a striking glow-in-the-dark effect.

Advanced Materials: Ceratanium® Case and Tinted Sapphire Glass

The case and crown are crafted from Ceratanium®, an IWC-exclusive material that combines the lightweight durability of titanium with the hardness and scratch resistance of ceramic. The black dial features a grainy technical texture, created using a precision stamping technique on a brass base.

Additional standout details include:

Black triangular hands with Super-LumiNova® edges for enhanced legibility.
A sapphire glass case back, tinted to complement the all-black aesthetic.

High-Performance Movement: IWC Caliber 32101

Powering this watch is the IWC-manufactured 32101 caliber, featuring:

Automatic winding for reliable performance.
A 120-hour power reserve, ensuring longevity between windings.
Blackened plates, bridges, and oscillating mass, seamlessly blending with the watch’s stealthy design.

Strap Options for Versatility

The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL comes with:

Integrated PETRONAS-green rubber strap for a sporty touch.
Black rubber strap with textile inlay for a refined alternative.

This limited-edition freak of nature embodies IWC’s relentless pursuit of innovation, resilience, and motorsport-inspired craftsmanship—a must-have for watch enthusiasts and Formula One™ fans alike!